Where to Play Pickleball in Ventura County

Pickleball court at Del Prado Playgrounds in Newbury Park.

According to www.whatispickleball.com, pickleball is oversized ping pong played on a badminton sized court with a tennis sized net. Pickleball originated in Bainsbridge Island, Washington in 1965 when congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell created the game for their families to play.

Pickleball is played with a perforated plastic ball similar to a wiffle ball that weighs about an ounce and composite or wooden paddles about twice the size of ping pong paddles. Pickleball is an indoor/outdoor sport that is easy to learn and, like tennis and ping pong, can be played singles or doubles. Learn more about pickleball at www.usapa.org.

Today, the sport of pickleball is governed in the U.S. by the USA Pickleball Association. which was founded in 2005 to promote the sport. There are over 8.9 million pickleball players in the United States over the age of six and over 44,000 pickleball courts across the country.

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity here in the Ventura County area. Here is a list of pickleball courts in and around Ventura County as well as adjacent areas:

Thousand Oaks:

• Two pickleball courts at Del Prado Playfield in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. Lighted from sunset to 10pm.

• Six courts at Rancho Conejo Playfield in Newbury Park

• Three indoor courts at the Thousand Oaks Community Center

• Two courts (bring your own net) at Estella Park.

• The Pickleball Athletic Club is opening soon (est March 2025) at 2000-B Anchor Court, Thousand Oaks. The facility will have 9 indoor, temperature-controlled acrylic courts. Operating hours will be 6am to 11pm daily. There are monthly membership fees, but guests will also be able to reserve courts. Learn more at playatpac.com.

Westlake Village:

The City of Westlake Village constructed four pickleball courts for public use at Westlake Village Community Park, 31107 Thousand Oaks Boulevard. The courts are located in the northeast corner of the existing parking lot, east of the Yarrow Family YMCA and south of the skate park. Courts are open from sunrise to 9pm and have lights. www.wlv.org/pickleball.

There are 8 dedicated pickleball courts at the Westlake Athletic Club available to its members. wac.caclubs.com/pickleball

Simi Valley:

• Pickleball courts at Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi offers 4 dedicated courts and 2 shared courts available daily from 7am to 10pm.

• Pickleball courts at Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Avenue offers 6 dedicated courts daily from 7am to 10pm.

• There are 12 pickleball courts available at Sinaloa Middle School, 601 Royal Avenue, on weekdays when school is in session from 4:30pm to dusk and on weekends, school holidays and summer break from 7am to dusk. www.rsrpd.org/recreation/sports___field_conditions/sv_tennis_pickleball/index.php

Oak Park:

Pickleball courts at Deerhill Park, 6700 Doubletree Road

Port Hueneme:

Pickleball is available at Walter B. Moranda Park, 200 Moranda Parkway, Port Hueneme. There are 10 courts; 5 of them are reservable. www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/1169/Moranda-Park

Moorpark:

Pickleball courts at Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail Street open 8am to sunset and dual tennis/pickleball courts at Miller Park, 4530 Miller Parkway open 7am to 10pm.

Camarillo:

• Six pickleball courts (4 permanent, 2 dual use courts) at Bob Kildee Community Park, 1030 Temple Avenue.

• Two dual use courts with lights and rollaway nets at Springville Park, 81 Via Zamora. as well as at Pitts Ranch Park, 1400 Flynn Road.

• Dual-use court at Springville Park, 801 Via Zamora. www.pvrpd.org/springville-park-pickleball

• There are four indoor pickleball courts at Camarillo Athletics that can be reserved for a fee. Located at 487 Dawson Drive #3S. camarilloathletics.com

Ventura www.cityofventura.ca.gov/pickleball

• Harry A. Lyon Park, 150 De Anza Drive, Ventura on Tuesdays from 3:30pm to dusk and Saturdays from 9am to noon.

• Juanamaria Park, Kimball Road and Loma Vista Road on Thursdays from 3:30pm to dusk and 2pm to dusk.

• There are three pickleball courts at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area that are open daily during regular park hours. They are available with a park entry fee or annual pass. Located at Picnic 1 Area. www.casitaswater.org/pickleball

Ojai

• The City of Ojai has 4 pickleball courts on City Hall Grounds at 401 S. Ventura Street, Ojai. Visit ojairec.com/389/Pickleball-Courts for hours and other information.

• Pickleball court are under construction at Soule Park, 1301 Soule Park Road, through July 2024. www.ventura.org/parks-department/inland-parks/soule-park-ojai

Calabasas

The privately-owned Calabasas Pickleball Club opened on June 1, 2024, with 16 courts at 5155 Old Scandia Lane. It is a members only club. Visit calabasaspb.com for more information.

Pickleball is offered at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center www.cityofcalabasas.com/government/community-services-parks-recreation/tennis-swim-center/tennis-pickleball

Clubs:

Ventura County Pickleball Club venturacountypickleballclub.com

Ojai Valley Pickleball www.ojaivalleypickleball.com

Ventura County Pickleball League camarilloathletics.com/ventura-county-pickleball-league

Visit camarillopickleball.fun to connect with other pickleball players.

Tennis Courts Open to the Public In and Around Ventura County

Looking to play a little tennis in and around Ventura County? There are over 150 tennis courts open to the public throughout the county. Here they are compiled into one list. 

Contact us with any additions!

Thousand Oaks/Newbury Park

• Borchard Community Park, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park - 4 courts

• Del Prado Playfield, 402 Calle del Prado, Newbury Park (Dos Vientos) - 1 court (also 2 pickleball courts)

• Rancho Conejo Playfields, 950 N. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park - 2 courts

• Dos Vientos Community Park, 4801 Borchard Road, Newbury Park - 2 courts

• North Ranch Playfield, 952 Rockfield Street, Thousand Oaks - 2 courts

• Thousand Oaks Community Park, 2525 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks - 4 courts

• Triunfo Park, 980 Aranmoor Ave, Thousand Oaks - 3 courts

• Wildflower Playfield, 635 W. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks - 4 courts

Agoura/Oak Park/Calabasas

• Agoura High School Tennis Courts are available for public use after school hours until 10pm and on weekends and summer, when not otherwise in use.

• Gates Canyon Park, 25801 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Calabasas - 2 courts

• Indian Springs Park, 4800 Rockfield, Oak Park - 2 courts

• Deerhill Park, 6700 Doubletree Road, Oak Park - 2 courts

Camarillo

• Bob Kildee Community Park, 1030 Temple Avenue - 6 lighted courts

• Mission Oaks Park, 5501 Mission Oaks Boulevard - 6 lighted courts

• Pitts Ranch Park, 1400 Flynn Road - 2 courts

• Valle Lindo Park, 889 Aileen Street - 5 lighted courts

• Springville Park, 801 Via Zamora: 3 lighted courts

Oxnard

• Carty Park, 3900 South F Street - 1 court

• College Estates Park, 1400 Gary Drive - 1 court

• Community Center West Park, 801 Hobson Way - 8 lighted courts

• East Park, 351 Indus Place - 1 court

• Fremont Tot Park, 1130 North M Street - 2 courts

• Lemonwood Park, 2055 East San Mateo Place - 2 courts

• Marina West, 1300 South Novato Drive - 2 courts

• Orchard Park, 2130 Edelweiss Street - 1 court

• Peninsula Park, 3333 South Peninsula Road - 2 courts

• Rio del Mar Elementary, 3150 Thames River Drive - 1 court

• Rio Lindo Park, 841 Blanca Street - 1 court

• Sea Air Park, 2011 Ninth Street - 2 courts

• Seabridge Park, 3900 LMD, W. Wooley - 2 courts

• Via Marina Park, 3301 Keel Way - 1 court

• Wilson Park, 350 North C Street - 1 court

Ventura

www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1774/Tennis-Pickleball

• Camino Real Park & Tennis Center, Dean Drive and Varsity Street - 8 courts

• Harry A. Lyon Park, DeAnza Drive at Cameron Street - 3 courts

• Juanamaria Park, Loma Vista Road and Kimball Road - 2 courts

Simi Valley

• Rancho Madera Community Park, 556 Lake Park Drive - 6 courts

• Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Avenue - 8 courts

• Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi - 4 courts

Moorpark

• Arroyo Vista Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road - 8 courts

• Mammoth Highlands Park, 7000 Elk Run Loop - 1 court

• Miller Park, 4530 Miller Parkway - 2 courts

• Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail Street - 3 courts

Ojai

• Libbey Park, Downtown Ojai - numerous courts

• Soule Park, 1301 Soule Park Road - 1 court

Port Hueneme

• Moranda Park, 200 Moranda Parkway - 8 courts

Tennis courts at Borchard Park in Newbury Park are nicely maintained.

Wedding Reception Venues In Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

Conejo Valley Guide focuses primarily on events, activities and things to do in the Conejo Valley, Ventura County and surrounding areas.

Since we're out and about so much, we thought it might be helpful to have a comprehensive list of over 170 local wedding, wedding reception and meeting venues within an hour radius of the Conejo Valley.

(Contact us for additions/edits to this list.)

Simi Valley Wedding Reception Venues

• Best Western Plus Posada Royale Hotel in Simi Valley (up to 250 guests)

• Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Simi Valley (up to 5,000 guests)

• Quail Ranch in Simi Valley

• Rancho Santa Susana Community Center in Simi Valley (up to 250 guests)

• Reagan Library reception areas include Air Force One Pavilion, Terrace Area, Courtyard White House Rose Garden and others (capacity <100 to 1,500+)

• Strathearn Historical Park in Simi Valley (up to 220 guests)

• The Vineyards in Simi Valley (up to 350 guests)

• Wood Ranch Golf Club in Simi Valley

Moorpark, Somis Wedding Reception Venues

• Arroyo Vista Recreation Center in Moorpark (no alcohol allowed)

• Eden Gardens in Moorpark (up to 400 guests)

• Hartley Botanica in Somis (up to 375 guests)

• Moorpark Country Club

• Rancho de las Palmas in Moorpark (up to 232 guests)

• 1600 Views Wedding Venue in the hills of Moorpark

• The Saticoy Club in Somis (up to 300 guests)

• Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Ranch (up to 250 guests)

Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park Wedding Reception Venues

• Boccaccio's Restaurant at Westlake Lake (up to 150 guests)

• Four Seasons Westlake Village (up to 1,000 guests)

• Gilbert Arena at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks

• Kingsmen Park at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks

• Los Robles Greens Golf Course in Thousand Oaks (up to 300 guests)

• Mizel Estate Vineyard in Thousand Oaks

• North Ranch Country Club in Westlake Village

• Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park (up to 250 guests)

• Prospector Ranch in Thousand Oaks (10 acre ranch)

• Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks (up to 350 guests)

• Stagecoach Inn Museum in Newbury Park (up to 200+ guests)

• Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Courtyard, Plaza Park and Theaters

• Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge Banquet Facility

• Best Western Plus Thousand Oaks Inn (up to 200 guests)

• Westlake Hyatt (up to 450 guests)

• Westlake Village Inn (up to 300+ guests)

• Westlake Yacht Club (up to 200+ guests)

• Wolfe Canyon Ranch in Thousand Oaks (214 acre site near Reagan Library)

Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Oak Park Wedding Reception Venues

• Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center (up to 200 guests)

• Calabasas Country Club (up to 250 guests)

• Cambria Hotel Calabasas (up to 80 guests)

• City of Calabasas Community Center

• Heaven’s Hill Estate in Agoura Hills

• Hilton Garden Inn Calabasas

• King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas

• Lake Lindero Country Club in Agoura Hills

• Lobo Castle in Calabasas (Medieval Castle - up to 250 guests)

• The Lodge at Malibou Lake in Agoura Hills (up to 280 guests)

• Oak Canyon Ranch in Agoura Hills

• Oak Park Community Center (up to 150 guests)

• Ojai Woman’s Club (up to 300 guests)

• Orcutt Ranch Horticultural Center in West Hills (up to 175 guests)

• Saddle Peak Lodge in Calabasas (up to 250 guests)

• Sheraton Agoura Hills (up to 400+ guests)

• Whispering Oaks Chapel in Agoura Hills

Camarillo Wedding Reception Venues

• Bella Capri Inn & Suites in Old Town Camarillo (up to 150 guests)

• Camarillo Community Center (up to 500 guests)

• Camarillo Parks - Picnic Area and Indoor Rentals

• Camarillo Public Library Courtyard and Community Room

• Camarillo Ranch House (up to 600 guests)

• Camarillo Barrel Works

• Commemorative Air Force Aviation Museum Hangar in Camarillo (up to 250 guests)

• Gerry Ranch in Camarillo (Santa Rosa Valley) (up to 200 guests)

• Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo

• Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo (Santa Rosa) (up to 300 guests)

• McCormick Home Ranch in Camarillo (up to 250 guests)

• Padre Serra Parish in Camarillo

• Pleasant Valley Historical Society Botanical Garden in Camarillo

• Spanish Hills Club in Camarillo (up to 265 guests)

• Wedgewood Weddings Sterling Hills in Camarillo (up to 225 guests)

Oxnard, Port Hueneme Wedding Reception Venues

• Heritage Square in Downtown Oxnard

• Magnavino Cellars in Oxnard (up to 160 guests)

• Marez Events Center in Oxnard (up to 300 guests)

• Oceanview Pavilion in Port Hueneme (up to 450 guests)

• Oxnard Historic Farm Park (up to 200 guests)

• Oxnard Performing Arts Center (up to 500 guests)

• Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club at Channel Islands Harbor (up to 175 guests)

• River Ridge Golf Club in Oxnard (up to 170 guests)

• Scarlett Belle Riverboat Wedding Cruises at Channel Islands Harbor

• Wedgewood Weddings Pacific View Tower in Oxnard (up to 250 guests)

• Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach in Oxnard

Ventura Wedding Reception Venues

• Cliff House Inn on the Ocean in Ventura (up to 75 guests)

• Crowne Plaza Ventura (up to 700 guests)

• The Derby Club at Ventura County Fairgrounds (up to 900 guests)

• Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort

• Historic Dudley House Museum in Ventura (up to 50)

• Lake Casitas Recreation Area in Ventura

• McGrath Ranch & Garden in Ventura (up to 175 guests)

• Museum of Ventura County Event Pavilion (up to 340 guests)

• Olivas Adobe Historical Park in Ventura (up to 200+ guests)

• The Pierpont Inn in Ventura (up to 300 guests)

• Poinsettia Pavilion in Ventura (up to 300 guests)

• Serra Cross Park at Grant Park in Ventura (up to 500 guests)

• Sylvia White Gallery in Ventura (over 4,000 sq ft)

• Ventura Beach Marriott (up to 850 guests)

• Ventura County Fairgrounds

• Ventura Harbor: Surfer's Knoll Beach, Harbor Cove Beach, Ventura Harbor Main Lawn

• Wedgewood Wedding Center at Buenaventura Golf Course (up to 350 guests) (Closed until further notice due to storm damage in early 2023.)

• White House Beach Club (up to 300 guests)

Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Piru Wedding Reception Venues

• Camp Arnaz in Ojai (up to 350 guests)

• Fillmore Historical Museum (up to 70 guests)

• Glen Tavern Inn in Santa Paula (up to 160 guests)

• The Lavender Inn in Ojai (up to 100 guests)

• Newhall Mansion in Piru (up to 300 guests)

• Ojai Art Center

• The Ojai Deer Lodge in Ojai (up to 200 guests)

• Ojai Valley Inn & Spa (up to 300 guests)

• The Ranch House in Ojai (up to 180 guests)

• Santa Paula Community Center (up to 265 seated guests)

• Soule Park Golf Club in Ojai

• Tuscan Rose Ranch in Santa Paula

Malibu Wedding Reception Venues

• Adamson House in Malibu (up to 200 guests)

• Calamigos Ranch in Malibu (up to 500 guests)

• Cypress Sea Cove

• Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu

• Malibu Beach Inn (up to 50 guests)

• Malibu Phoenix Retreat

• Malibu West Beach Club (up to 250 guests)

• Rancho Del Cielo in Malibu

• Saddlerock Ranch and Vineyards in Malibu

Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Goleta

• Alameda Park Picnic Area in Santa Barbara (up to 60 guests)

• Alice Keck Memorial Gardens Pond/Grass Area (up to 60 guests)

• Alice Keck Memorial Park Arbor Area (up to 150 guests)

• Bates Ranch House in Carpinteria (up to 250 guests)

• Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara (up to 300 guests)

• Cabrillo Pavilion (up to 215 guests)

• Calle Puerto Vallarta - City of Santa Barbara East Beach (up to 300 guests)

• Carousel House in Santa Barbara (up to 240 guests)

• Casa de la Guerra Courtyard

• Casa Las Palmas in Santa Barbara (60-75 guests)

• Elings Park Codric Grove (up to 200 guests)

• Elings Park Singleton Pavilion (up to 200 guests)

• Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

• Fess Parker Wine Country Inn & Spa in Los Olivos

• Firestone Vineyard in Los Olivos

• Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore

• Franklin Neighborhood Center in Santa Barbara (up to 125 guests indoors)

• Gainey Vineyard in Los Olivos (up to 150 guests)

• Glen Annie Golf Club in Goleta (up to 500 guests)

• Granada Theatre in Santa Barbara (up to over 200 guests)

• La Mesa Park Grassy Area in Santa Barbara (up to 125 guests)

• Leadbetter Beach Area West (up to 150 guests)

• Leadbetter Beach Ceremony Area (up to 60 guests)

• Lions Park in Carpinteria (up to 200 guests)

• Louise Lowry Davis Center in Santa Barbara (up to 100 guests indoors)

• Mackenzie Center in Santa Barbara (up to 100 guests)

• Mission Historical Park Rose Garden in Santa Barbara (up to 50 guests) and Grassy Area (up to 200)

• Museum of Santa Barbara Sea Center (up to 60 to 200 guests)

• Ortega Welcome House in Santa Barbara (up to 70 guests)

• The Narrative Loft in Santa Barbara

• Palm Park Beach House in Santa Barbara (up to 100 guests)

• Plaza Del Mar in Santa Barbara (up to 500 guests)

• Rancho La Patera in Goleta (up to 450 seated guests)

• Restoration Oaks Ranch in Gaviota (up to 150 guests)

• The Riviera Mansion (up to 200+ guests)

• Rincon Beach Club in Carpinteria (up to 250 guests)

• Ritz Carlton Bacara Resort and Spa (various from 40 to up to 1,100 guests)

• San Ysidro Ranch has eight venues that accommodate up to 200+ guests

• Santa Barbara County Courthouse (up to 200 guests)

• Santa Barbara Historical Museum Courtyard (up to 450 guests)

• Santa Barbara Maritime Museum (up to 230 guests)

• Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

• Santa Barbara Woman's Club - Rockwood Building

• Santa Barbara Zoo (up to 2500 guests)

• Santa Ynez Valley Marriott (up to 550 guests)

• Shoreline Park Grassy Area in Santa Barbara (up to 125 guests)

• Simpson House Inn (up to 200 guests)

• Sunstone Winery in Los Olivos

• Westside Neighborhood Center in Santa Barbara (up to 150 guests)

• Whispering Rose Ranch in Santa Ynez (up to 350 or more guests)

Things to Do With the Kids in Ventura County When It's Wet Outside

It doesn't rain nearly often enough here in Ventura County, but when it does, that's a great excuse for staying inside. You are in the right place as we have compiled this extensive list of well over 200 indoor activities from Agoura to Simi Valley to Ventura and everywhere in between!

Geared Towards Little Kids

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Thousand Oaks and Ventura

• The Oaks Mall Indoor Play Area (up to age 5)

• Build-a-Bear Workshop at The Oaks

• Rockin' Kids Play Center at Simi Valley Town Center

• We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym in Agoura Hills

• Jumpify Indoor Playground at The Oaks Mall

• KidzCity Indoor Play in Woodland Hills

• Kids World Indoor Playground in Oak Park

• Jump ‘n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center in Oxnard (RiverPark)

• Play Out Loud Indoor Playground in Agoura Hills

Gaming and Arcades

• Chuck E. Cheese's in Thousand Oaks and Ventura

• Big Z Family Fun Center in Simi Valley

• The arcade at Golf N' Stuff Ventura

Other Indoor Fun

• Nearly 30 libraries in the Ventura County area

• The Ronald Reagan Library and Museum in Simi Valley

• Over 50 museums in and around Ventura County

• 150+ movie screens around Ventura County

• Escape room places in Ventura County

• MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation in Santa Barbara

Indoor Action and Sports

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Ventura

• Sky Zone Thousand Oaks (formerly Defy Extreme Air Sports)

• Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing in Thousand Oaks

• Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing in Ventura

• Lazertag Axtreme in Simi Valley

• Bowling Alleys in Ventura County

• Open Gym at Conejo Recreation & Park District Facilities

• Imagymnation Gymnastics Center in Simi Valley

• LA Kings Iceoplex Ice Arena in Simi Valley

• Skating Plus Indoor Roller Rink in Ventura

• Monarchs Gym in Newbury Park and Agoura

• Indoor Batting Cages in Camarillo, Oxnard, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks

• Skateboarding Hall of Fame and Museum in Simi Valley

• Sky Zone Trampoline Park Thousand Oaks

• K1 Indoor Go Kart Racing and Arcade in Thousand Oaks

Arts and Crafts

• Lakeshore Learning Free Crafts Two Saturdays a Month in Ventura

• As You Wish Pottery Painting Place in Simi Valley

• Color Me Mine Ceramics Studio in Calabasas

• The Arterie Art Studio in Thousand Oaks

• Firefly Ceramics in Ventura

• YES FACTORY in Agoura Hills

These are just a sampling of the various activities and events in Conejo Valley Guide, so make sure to explore and find something fun to do!

Wine Tasting Options in Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

According to the Wine Business Analytics, there were 11,654 wineries in the United States in January 2024, 42% of which were in California. These wineries produced 325 million cases of wine in 2023.

So where can we imbibe here in Ventura County and adjacent areas? Here's a compilation.

(Note: Contact us for changes/additions. We have attempted to include only those places that currently offer wine tasting to the general public.)

Agoura Wine & Beer Co. in the Whizin Market Square, 28851 Agoura Road, offers 2 oz and 5 oz pours of all wines offered in the bar. The bar is open daily; hours vary. www.agourawine.com 818.337.8832

Alma Sol Winery wines are poured, on a limited, reservation only basis at Sunland Vintage Tasting Room, 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, #108, Thousand Oaks www.almasolwinery.com Schedule a tasting appointment on their website.

Back Patio Cellars is located at 930 Flynn Road, Suite F, Camarillo, offering mostly red wines such as Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and blends. Open Friday 4-7PM, Sat 1-5M and Sun 1-5PM. www.backpatiocellars.com 805-388-3457

Barrel 33 is a wine bar at 1067 E. Thompson Blvd in Ventura is a wine bar that also serves food. Due to space limitations, they ask that you call in advance at 805-652-1810 for reservations. barrel33.squarespace.com

Beckmen Vineyards is a working vineyard located at 2670 Ontiveros Road, Los Olivos. Wine tasting daily 11am to 5pm. www.beckmenvineyards.com 805.688.8664

Boccali Vineyards and Winery at 3277 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Open for wine tasting weekends from 12-5PM. 805.669.8688. www.boccalivineyards.com

Buddy’s Wine Bar is located at 1786 E. Main Street in Ventura. Open for tastings Wed-Fri 3-10PM, Sat 1-10PM and Sun 1-8PM. www.buddyswinebar.com

Buttonwood Farm Winery and Vineyard at 1500 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang is open daily 11am to 5pm. Children welcome, as are well-behaved, leashed dogs. 805.688.3032 www.buttonwoodwinery.com

Cantara Cellars has a tasting room at 126 Wood Road, Suite 104 in Camarillo that is open Thursdays 2-8pm, Fridays 2-9pm, Saturdays 1-9pm and Sundays 1-6pm. www.cantaracellars.com 805.484.9600

Cavaletti Vineyards is an artisan winery that produces authentic wines from hand farmed estate vineyards in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Cavaletti offers outdoor tastings by appointment on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm at 165 Poindexter Ave, Suite D, Moorpark. www.cavalettivineyards.com

Cork Dork Wine Bar at 1125 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village offers a selection of high-end wine pours that usually are not available by the glass at restaurants, as well as a full menu of farm-to-table, locally sourced California cuisine and a curated selection of local beers. Open Mon-Sat 4:30-9;30PM. www.corkdorkwinebar.com 818.532.7284

Cornell Winery and Tasting Room is located at 29975 Mulholland Highway in Agoura www.cornellwinery.com. Its tasting room is open noon to 7pm Thursday through Sunday. 818.735.3542

Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room opened at Ventura Harbor Village, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 115, Ventura in September 2022. Siblings John, Gillian and Tom Conway’s Deep Sea and Conway wines can be enjoyed by-the-glass, by the bottle or in one of the Signature or Reserve Tasting Flights. Chocolate pairings and cheese and meat plates available. Learn more at conwayfamilywines.com or call 805-321-9463.

Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard at 6200 Foxen Canyon Road in Santa Ynez www.fessparkerwines.com 805-688-1545

Firestone Vineyard, 5017 Zaca Station Road in Santa Ynez Open for walk-in tastings 11am-4pm Thursday through Monday. 805.688.3940. www.firestonewine.com

Four Brix Winery is a craft winery with a tasting room open 12-4pm Friday through Sunday at 2290 Eastman Ave, Suite 109, Ventura. 805-256-6006 fourbrixwine.com

Friendly Noise Wines & Ciders is an independent winery with a tasting room at 111 Poindexter Avenue, Suite D, Moorpark. It opened in November 2024. Currently open 4-9pm Friday and noon to 7pm Saturday/Sunday. friendlynoise.com

Gainey Vineyard at 3950 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez Open daily 11am to 5pm. 805.688.0558 www.gaineyvineyard.com

Giessinger Winery & Tasting Room in Fillmore at 365 Santa Clara Street (open Wednesday through Sunday; closed Tuesday; hours vary) 805.524.5000 and 3059 Willow Lane, Westlake Village (open Wed/Sun 2-6PM, Fri/Sat 2-7PM) (805.405.5557) giessingerwinery.com

Happy Accidents is a small batch winery from Santa Barbara with a tasting room located at 607 E. Main Street in Ventura that opened in late 2023. Open 5-8PM Wed, 5-9PM Thu-Fri and 1-9PM Sat/Sun. 805-628-3947 happyaccidents.co

Herzog Wine Cellars at 3201 Camino Del Sol in Oxnard offers tastings daily, except Saturday, herzogwine.com. 805.983.1560

Labyrinth Winery and Tasting Room is located at 607 East Main Street in Ventura www.LabyrinthWinery.com Open Wednesday through Sunday; hours vary. 805.585.2238

Lester Family Cellars Winery and Tasting Room is located at 6650 Crescent Street, #8, Ventura. Open weekends from 1-6PM or by appointment. lesterfc.com 562.714.9465

Lucas Sellers Winery operates a tasting room at The Alley in Moorpark at 330 Zachary St #108. Open Tue-Fri 4-9pm, Sat noon-10pm and Sun noon-7pm. Live music on Sat night. www.facebook.com/LucasSellersWine

Magnavino Cellars is located at 961 N. Rice Avenue, Suite 5, Oxnard and its tasting room is open Fri 5-8pm, Sat 12-6pm and Sun 12-6pm. Visit www.magnavino.com or call 805.276.1353

Majestic Oak Vineyard is located at 321 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Their tasting room is open daily from noon to 6 pm. No reservations required. Visit majesticoakvineyard.com or call 805.794.0272 for more information.

Mizel Estate Wines is located in Hidden Valley in Thousand Oaks. Mizel offers wine tasting in its stunning vineyard on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Reserved seatings at 1pm and 2:30pm. Call 805-795-2506 or email info@mizelestate.com to reserve your spot. www.mizelestate.com

NABU Wines offers tastings at 2649 Townsgate Road, Suite 200, Westlake Village and is open for wine tasting daily 12-6PM, Fri/Sat 12PM-11PM with music 8-11PM. Visit nabuwines.com or call 805.778.1100 or 818.835.3704.

Nectar of the Dogs Wine is a Simi Valley based boutique wine company with a tasting room at 791 Chambers Lane, Suite 110 in Simi Valley. Open 3-7pm Thursday, 4-9pm Friday and 12-6pm Saturday/Sunday. www.nectarofthedogswine.com. Visitors must be 21+. No children allowed. Only well-behaved, leashed, service dogs are permitted inside the tasting room.

Oak Creek Ranch Winery is located at 10024 Old Creek Road, Ventura. Located on an 850 acre cattle ranch in the Ojai Valley. oldcreekranch.com 805-649-4132

The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room is located at 109 S. Montgomery Street, Ojai. Open 7 days a week. Visit ojaivineyard.com or call 805.798.3947.

Pantess Cellars Tasting Room is located at 537 Constitution Avenue, Suite D, Camarillo pantesscellars.com. Tasting room open Fri 6-9pm, Sat/Sun 1-6pm. 805.388.3279

Plan B Wine Cellars is a working winery located at 3520 Arundell Circle, #107, Ventura Open for tastings on weekends from 1-5PM. 805-233-1453

Rancho Ventavo Cellars is at 741 South A Street in Downtown Oxnard 805.483.8084

Roblar Winery is at 3010 Roblar Avenue in Santa Ynez www.roblarwinery.com 805.686.2603

The Naturalist (previously Casa Barranca Organic Winery) is located at 208 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai Tasting room hours are 12-5PM Sun-Thurs and 12-6PM Fri/Sat. www.naturalistwine.com 805.640.1255.

The Stonehaus at 32039 Agoura Road, Westlake Village is open 7 days a week (hours vary) for wine tasting. the-stonehaus.com/wine 818.483.1152

Strey Cellars is located at 951 N. Rice Avenue, Oxnard and is open weekends from noon to 5PM. Visit www.StreyCellars.com or call 805.988.1087.

Sunland Vintage Winery and Tasting Room in Thousand Oaks www.SunlandVintageWinery.com is open Thursdays/Fridays 6-9PM, Saturdays 1-6PM and Sundays 1-5PM. 805.379.2250

Sunstone Winery at 125 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez is open for walk-in tastings 11 am to 5pm daily, with the last seating at 4PM..www.sunstonewinery.com 805.688.9463

The Barn at Cielo Farms at 31424 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu offers wine tasting Wed through Mon. Reservations required at woodstockmalibu.com/the-barn-tasting-room 424-234-7242

Ventura Wine Co. "The Cave" wine tasting at 4435 McGrath St #301, Ventura thecaveventura.com 

Wades Wines Wine Tasting at 30961 Agoura Road, Ste 321 Westlake Village www.wadeswines.com open Thursday to Sunday.

We Vino Restaurant and Wine Lounge will be soft opening in early 2025 at 31149 Via Colinas #601 in Westlake Village (Lindero Oaks, across the street from the Four Seasons Westlake), offering fine dining and wines. Stay tuned for updates at www.we-vino.com

West Tasting Room is located at 1867 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours vary. Showcases wineries from the California, Oregon and Washington. Learn more at www.westtastingroom.com.

Art and Wine Sipping Options

Painting With a Twist in Camarillo

Ventura Spirits at 3891 N. Ventura Ave, #B2A, Ventura has a tasting room that is open for drop-in tastings Mon to Fri 12-5pm; reserved tastings available Fri-Sun.. venturaspirits.com 805.232.4313

HOW ABOUT A BEER!? LOCAL AREA FRESH BREWED BEERS

Wine No More

Gone West Cellars at 5963 Olivas Park Drive, Ste A, Ventura closed in December 2016.

We Olive & Wine Bar Tasting at The Oaks Mall closed permanently in August 2018.

The Tasting Room at River Ridge at River Ridge Golf Club (closed 10/6/17)

SIP Malibu Grapes in Agoura Hills www.sipmalibugrapes.com (SIP was destroyed by the Woolsey Fire of November 2018; but stay tuned at their website for possible rebuilding plans)

VinTura Tasting Room & Wine Rack at 14 S. California Street in Ventura (closed February 2019)

DeLiese Cellars opened a tasting room at 1850 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks in late December 2016. but closed in March 2021.

The Topa Mountain Winery property in Ojai was acquired by the Ojai Valley Inn but they continue operating online at www.topamountainwinery.com

Boar Dough Tasting Room at 5015 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills closed December 2023.

The Painted Cabernet in Oxnard closed its doors on March 18, 2024.

Very sad to report that the Rosenthal Winery and Tasting Room at 18741 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu was destroyed by the Palisades Fire in January 2025 Check for updates for future rebuilding plans at www.rosenthalestatewines.com.

Lion’s Peak Winery Tasting Room in the Northstar Plaza at 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks closed in late January 2025 but will continue selling wines online at lionspeakwine.com.

What Happens When You Turn 18 in the State of California?

Age 18 in the United States is considered the "age of majority" and is a major milestone.

Age 18 has been the age of majority since the 26th Amendment, signed into law by President Nixon in July 1971. Historically the age of majority was 21, but when Franklin D. Roosevelt lowered the military draft age to 18 during World War II, there was a push to align the voting age with the military draft age.

So what changes when you turn 18? The State Bar of California previously published a nice guide for teenagers to help better understand how their rights and responsibilities change at age 18.

Here's a summary of these rights and responsibilities, excerpted from the California Lawyers Foundation booklet (updated in 2021), “When You Turn 18 - A Legal Survival Guide” (pdf file) (Spanish language version):

1. Enter into binding contracts - for example, leases, opening bank accounts and applying for loans (of course, to obtain the loan, you may still need a co-signer).

2. Buy or sell property, such as real estate and stock.

3. Marry without written consent of parents or guardian.

4. Sue or be sued.

5. Compromise, settle or arbitrate a claim.

6. Make or revoke a will.

7. Inherit property outright.

8. Vote in federal, state and local elections. (Since 2016, 16 and 17 year olds may pre-register to vote at age 18.)

9. Consent to all types of medical treatment.

10. Join the military without parental consent. Male U.S. citizens or immigrants living in the U.S. generally must register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of turning 18. (Females are not currently not required to register for the draft.)

11. Get a job without a special work permit.

12. Serve jury duty.

13. Be subject to more serious consequences for breaking the law.

14. Prior to June 9, 2016, you could buy tobacco products. The law changed, however, and now you have to wait until you are age 21. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaping products.

15. At age 18 you can give blood without parental consent in California (written parental consent is required for 16 and 17 year olds).

16. At age 18 you may become an organ donor without parental consent. www.organdonor.gov/about/donors/child-infant.html

17. Apply for credit in your own name, though you will likely need to show proof of income or have a co-signer.

18. You can get a tattoo at age 18 and can do so without parental consent. You cannot get a tattoo under the age of 18. It is a misdemeanor to give or even offer to give a tattoo to someone under the age of 18 in California. (PC 653)

19. You can get a piercing without parental consent at age 18.

20. You can file a petition to change your name at age 18.

21. You can play the Lottery at age 18 in most states (except Iowa and Louisiana - party poopers).

22. In California and most states (except Arizona, Iowa, Nevada and Texas), you can bet on horse races (e.g. pari-mutuel betting).

23. You can play charity bingo at age 18 in California.

What you still cannot do:

1. Purchase tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vaping products (mentioned above). You must be age 21. In fact, federal law changed in December 2019 to require all states to change the minimum age for tobacco purchases to 21.

2. Purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. The minimum age for drinking in all states is 21.

   Some states have minor (so to speak) exceptions to the age 21 requirement. In Kansas, under 21 may drink “cereal malt beverages” under parental supervision on their own property. What is a cereal malt beverage? A beverage with no more than 3.2% alcohol by weight produced by fermentation, not by distillation. Coors Light has 4.2% alcohol as a comparison. The states of Alaska, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Ohio and Wisconsin have exceptions that allow individuals under age 21 to drink when parents or guardians are present. If you are 18 and really want to drink, the territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands allow legal drinking, unencumbered by the presence of parents, at age 18.

3. You cannot sell or serve alcoholic beverages for consumption on-premises until you are age 21. However, it is allowable for someone 18 to 21 to serve alcoholic beverages to consumers in a restaurant along with food for consumption on premises.

For more information about the “When You Turn 18: A Legal Survival Guide” publication and/or to request physical copies of the booklet at calawyersfoundation.org/our-work.

Chinese Eateries in the Conejo Valley

According to a Pew Research Center study published in May 2023, some 12% of all restaurants in the United States serve Asian food, and 39% of those Asian restaurants serve Chinese food. Effectively, this means that 4.7% of all restaurants in the country serve Chinese food. Put another way, nearly 1 out of every 20 restaurants in the United States serve Chinese food, based on this study.

So let’s take a look at the Chinese restaurants serving us here in the Conejo Valley cities and communities of Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, and portions of Calabasas.

Color Oaks Chinese Food is located in the North Oaks Center at 1032 E. Avenida De Los Arboles in Thousand Oaks. It offers authentic Chinese food, with indoor/outdoor seating. www.coloroakschinesefood.com 805-241-7761

Dong Ting Spring, which opened at the Thousand Oaks Marketplace at 520 N. Ventu Park Road, Newbury Park, in early 2017, serves authentic Hunan style and Szechuan style Chinese food. This might be the most authentic Chinese food in town. No website. See menu on their Yelp page. 805-262-0888

eLoong Dumplings opened in the North Ranch Gateway Center at 30843 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village in November 2017. The owner is from the Sichuan province of China, which is known for steamed, savory noodles and dumplings. Indoor seating available. www.eloongdumplingswv.com 818-532-7668

Golden Dragon Chinese Cuisine opened at 2416 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks in 2013, serving Szechuan and Mandarin cuisine. Limited seating available. www.goldendragonthousandoaks.com 805-379-8858

Green Onion Chinese Cuisine is located at 30651 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite F in Agoura Hills (cross street Lake Lindero). Traditional Mandarin and Szechwan cuisine. www.facebook.com/greenonionchinesecuisine 818-707-6789

Hunan Yuan Chinese Restaurant has served Newbury Park since 1988 at 2160 Newbury Road, Suite E. They offer traditional Chinese specialties and have plenty of indoor seating. www.hunanyuan.com 805-499-9588

Imperial Garden has operated in Thousand Oaks since 1980 and changed ownership in 2013, located at 355 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Unit C (cross street Moorpark Road). Plenty of seating available. www.imperialgardencalifornia.com 805-871-7116

Lakeview Garden Restaurant has served authentic Chinese food at 4703 Lakeview Canyon Road in Westlake Village for over 2 1/2 decades. www.lvgcr.com 818-991-3850

Mandarin Bistro in Newbury Park is located in the Albertson’s center at 501 S. Reino Road. It originally opened in the former Pick Up Stix on September 19, 2011. www.mandarinbistroto.com 805-375-1668

Mandarin Lotus Fine Chinese Fusion Cuisine opened in 1988 at 5015 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills (Agoura Pointe) offering a wide range of Chinese specialties, including plenty of vegetarian options. mandarinlotusagourahills.com 818-991-9831

Neighborly Curated Food Hall at The Promenade at Westlake opened in late December 2024 offers the Social Monk brand, which includes a number of Chinese dishes. beneighborly.com/menu/261857?type=social_monk

Panda Express locations in the Conejo Valley include the food court on the first floor of The Oaks Mall (805-230-2662), 2690 Teller Road in Newbury Park (this location has a drive-thru) (805-375-2737) and 1744 Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks (at Janss Road) (805-449-1882). www.pandaexpress.com

Pick Up Stix is a Chinese fast-serve eatery located at 2761 Agoura Road in Westlake Village. www.pickupstix.com 818-706-1927

Red Wok is located at 2368 Michael Drive in Newbury Park, adjacent to The Alamo, offering traditional Chinese food for dine-in or take out. redwoknewburypark.com 805-498-1301

Roast & Rice Asian Fusion Cuisine opened in February 2022 at 30990 Russell Ranch Road in Westlake Village. They offer Chinese specialties as well as sushi and other Asian options. www.roastandrice.com 818-699-6369

Sesame Inn Chinese Cuisine is located at 3327 Kimber Drive, Suite E, in Newbury Park. It has been there for decades. No website as of Feb 2025. 805-499-2800

Seven Spice Kitchen is located at 2454 W. Hillcrest Drive, #102 in Newbury Park, offering primarily take-out, though there is some limited seating available. www.sevenspicekitchenca.com 805-375-8788

Szechuwan Garden open at 779 Wendy Drive in Newbury Park in late December 2024. See their menu at www.szechuwangardenfastfood.com. Their menu includes all the standard favorites, plus dim sum. 805-262-2645

Vegan Thyme at 2247 Michael Drive in Newbury Park offers a variety of Chinese and other Asian inspired dishes, making it worthy of making this list. Plenty of indoor seating available. veganthymecafe.com 805-716-3088

Yunnan Restaurant opened in November 2022 at 668 Lindero Canyon Road (at Kanan) in the former home of Zen Garden. Plenty of indoor seating available. www.yunnanrestaurantoakpark.com 818-879-9888

Throwing in the Hot Towel (Chinese eateries that have closed over the years):

Chang 101 at 2024 E. Avenida de los Arboles closed in July 2016 after seven years in business.

Zen Garden at 668 Lindero Canyon closed in September 2022 after nearly 10 years in business. Yunnan Garden opened a couple months later at the spot.